1976 Johnson rods

[carter9256]

I am in the process of gathering up parts to build a 1976 Johnson 55 HP. <br />Had a 1975 50 HP with a 3.06” pistons and a 5/8” wrist pin. The small wrist pin was the cause of the motor demises. The block was shot but a lot of the parts are still good. <br /><br />Got a 1976 block that most of the parts form the 50 hp should fit with some internal differences mainly the piston is 3.187” with a 3/4” wrist pin. The old rods look ok but don’t want to take the chance. Purchase two new rods part # 383903 with a cast # 322212 that I was told that they was for the 1975 and should work in the 1976 with the use of a 5/8” to 3/4”conversion kit. The rods cast number I took out of the 1975 was # 315426. The 383903 rod looks like a better rod all measurement the same as the 315426 with the exception of the wrist pin end of the rod. The width has a difference of almost a 1/8” shorter. <br />Is this difference OK or does the hunt for parts continue?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1976 Johnson rods

Welcome!<br /><br />I'm kinda confused about why you would buy 2 rods knowing they dont fit the pistons you are going to use. I would suggest you get the rods for the 1976 55 that youre going to get pistons for. <br /><br />Or did I miss something?

 

[carter9256]

Re: 1976 Johnson rods

The thought was that I would work with what I know and what parts I can find and have.<br />Got these for $12.00 each and they are new it the box. I knew the rods from the 1975 would work when used with the wrist pin conversion kit. I expected to receive the same part number as the old rods I had. What I got was a rod that appears to a better made rod design. All measurement are the same except width at wrist pin end. <br />Yes I would prefer to use a rod with the wrist pin design for the 3/4” pin so a conversion kit would not have to be used but I do not know what part # or cast # they are. <br /><br />Is the rods I received cast # 322212 a OMC replacement for cast # 315426 and is the difference in the wrist pin width critical. On the other hand do I have two rods that I need to sale or trade.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1976 Johnson rods

Where did you find new rods for 12.00? What a deal! If they sold you a (new) old style rod and said it will work with the newer style piston, I would say to buy the kit and see. <br /><br />It just doesnt sound right to me. You can do that with a 1975 and 1976 3 cylinder but I've never seen what youre talking about. Doesnt mean it doesnt exist though.<br /><br />Talk to the folks you been buying from and let us know!